The Georgia Bulldogs have a shot to make some national noise this season. Todd Grantham’s defense looks like it can be dominant. Aaron Murray is back to lead a talented offense. The schedule doesn’t include Alabama or LSU. This year could be big fun.

The ’Dogs will take the field week number one a Top 10 team. Wonder what happens from there?

Sure like the idea that Grantham’s defense is expected to lead the way. The first test comes on the road, against a wide-open Missouri offense. A couple weeks later, the Volunteers will bring Tyler Bray and NFL-caliber wide receivers into Sanford Stadium. Those two games should be entertaining.

Look for Grantham’s defense to be able to handle those two challenges, but things toughen up as October rolls in. There are three major tests this season.

A trip to South Carolina gets October started. The ’Dogs have a shot to show up 5-0. Marcus Lattimore should be full speed by then. The other huge challenge will be blocking Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor. This looks like the toughest test of the regular season. Got to find a way to go in there and get a win. The Gamecocks go for three in a row and thats never happened.

The annual visit to Jacksonville looks like another tough test. Just read where analyst Phil Steele picked the Gators to win the East. Maybe it’s because the Bulldogs haven’t whipped the Gators in back-to-back fashion in 22 years. Steele also loves the Florida defense.

And winning at Auburn late in the season will be a tough challenge. The Tigers’ young, talented quarterback Kiehl Frazier won’t be so inexperienced by November. And Auburn’s D-line is a tough match-up for Georgia’s O-line too. Getting a win here will be real tough.

Hunker Down in 2012? Two things have to happen.

Grantham’s defense has to dominate like Alabama’s and LSU’s did last season. Those units humbled opponents. The talent is in place for Georgia to play defense like that this season. The D-line is loaded. Steele has the ’Dogs linebackers as the top-rated unit in college football. At full strength, the secondary is talented. On paper, it looks good.

The other huge factor is the Georgia O-line. For this team to compete with the best teams, the offensive line has to elevate its performance level. Kolton Houston and Kenarious Gates must deliver at tackle. They both looked capable in the G-Day scrimmage. And they both need to bring it this fall. Teams don’t win championships, without their tackles winning battles.

There is reason to believe that Alabama will slip a little this season. LSU has a new quarterback. And Arkansas kicked Bobby Petrino to the curb. Georgia has a shot. Sure hope they deliver.